Messe Frankfurt opens JV in Zhuhai

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Zhuhai, 28th May: International exhibition organiser, Messe Frankfurt GmbH, opened a new joint venture (JV) in Zhuhai. Messe Frankfurt (Zhuhai) Airshow Co Ltd, a JV between Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd and Zhuhai Airshow Group Co Ltd., will be a strategic expansion set to enhance the global reach of AERO Asia, a leading business platform for the general aviation (GA) industry and low-altitude economy.

According to Messe Frankfurt, the new office in Zhuhai targets to improve logistics and regional partnerships and on-ground support for AERO Asia. AERO Asia is positioned for global industry players expanding their business in the Chinese and Asian markets. The new JV will provide operational support for exhibitors, in terms of venue coordination, onsite services, pre-show promotion, and rapid feedback on domestic markets.

AERO Asia was launched in 2023, showcasing 268 exhibitors from 17 countries and regions, 92 aircraft with 32 fly-ins, attracting over 68,000 visitors. AERO Asia 2025 will cover an exhibition area of 40,000 m2, under the theme of “A New Era: Explore More”, focusing on emerging topics, and five key areas will be presented at the exhibition.

Mr Wolfgang Marzin, President and CEO of Messe Frankfurt, was quoted, “Zhuhai is a hotspot for aviation manufacturing and trade, and is well connected as part of South China’s Greater Bay Area. Establishing a JV office in the city is a crucial step for Messe Frankfurt to strengthen local ties in the GA industry and low-altitude economy; ahead of the upcoming show, and for many years to come. This new JV demonstrates our Group’s commitment to the sector, and together with Zhuhai Airshow Group, will be the launchpad for us to grow the AERO brand in Asia.”

ICCA and IFES announce new partnership

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Amsterdam, 28th May: The International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) announced a two-year strategic partnership with the International Federation of Exhibition and Event Services (IFES).

The new partnership will focus on education and professional development, fostering collaboration between ICCA and IFES and highlighting innovation, sustainability, and emerging trends. The two organisations will also exchange select research and educational resources to further enrich their respective communities.

ICCA’s CEO, Dr. Senthil Gopinath, stated, “This partnership with IFES reflects ICCA’s dedication to uniting all facets of the global events industry. Together, we’re not only expanding our reach, we’re also creating new opportunities for learning, innovation, and sustainable growth that will benefit our entire community.”

Messe Düsseldorf posts strong FY2024

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Düsseldorf, 23rd May: International exhibition organiser, Messe Düsseldorf, posted strong financial results for fiscal year 2024, with a recorded sales of €395 million (US$411 million) and a profit after taxes of €78.8 million (US$82 million), which are in line with the usual event cycle.

In the past years, Messe Düsseldorf focused on the emerging markets. The company acquired stake in a new subsidiary in Türkiye and launched its first events in Mexico. The company also established business in Dubai.

In overseas markets, Messe Düsseldorf hosted 54 events outside Germany. In Asia, the company has five subsidiaries, including New Delhi, Singapore, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Tokyo, which were united into Messe Düsseldorf for Asia (MDfA). Based in Singapore, MDfA coordinates sales and visitor marketing for both the leading regional trade shows in Asia and the leading global trade shows in Düsseldorf.

Wolfram N. Diener, President & CEO of Messe Düsseldorf, explained, “In the Middle East, we are expanding in the world’s fastest-growing trade show market, which strengthens our position as one of the most successful trade show companies internationally. We’re also doubling down on our commitment in other select growth markets, which further boosts the global appeal and competitiveness of Düsseldorf as a trade show location.”

Messe Frankfurt launches building technology show in Hangzhou

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Hong Kong, 27th May: International exhibition organiser, Messe Frankfurt Group, will launch its first exhibition in Hangzhou, Zhejiang. International Smart Space Exhibition (ISSE), a dedicated trade fair held as part of the Global Digital Trade Expo (GDTE), will be organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd and Hangzhou Expo Group.

The upcoming GDTE will take place at the Hangzhou Grand Convention and Exhibition Center, running from 25th to 29th September 2025. It will occupy an exhibition area of 150,000 m2, with the theme of “Digital Trade, Global Access”. ISSE will showcase products and solutions across four focus areas: Intelligent Buildings and Smart Parks, Urban Public Spaces, Smart Commercial Spaces, and Smart Living.

Mr Stephan Buurma, Member of the Board of Management of Messe Frankfurt Group, said, “Messe Frankfurt has consistently focused on the development of the Yangtze River Delta, digitalisation and technological innovation in China. In particular, Hangzhou is renowned for its dynamic digital economy, ideal geographic location and strong government support for the MICE industry. GDTE is a world-class exhibition in China dedicated to advancing global digital trade. We anticipate that partnering with Hangzhou Expo Group will deepen our strategic alliances with local stakeholders, enhance our resources and capabilities, and expand our presence in China. Meanwhile, we will continue to explore innovative projects in digital topics and niche fields to meet the rapidly changing market demands driven by digitalisation.”

Quick takes

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HKTDC’s International Healthcare Week concludes

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) concluded its International Healthcare Week (IHW), including Asia Summit on Global Health (ASGH), and Hong Kong International Medical and Healthcare Fair (Medical Fair). ASGH brought more than 80 healthcare leaders and experts from around the world, exploring the future direction of the industry and collaboration opportunities, attracting over 2,900 participants from 42 countries and regions. While Medical Fair featured some 300 exhibitors from 13 countries and regions, showcasing MedTech, GeronTech, and green solutions. Some 13,000 buyers from 57 countries and regions attended Medical Fair.

Cvent releases APAC meeting destinations list for 2025

Cvent released its list of the Top 10 Meeting Destinations in Asia-Pacific for 2025, with Singapore led the list, followed by Bangkok and Sydney. Other Top 10 destinations are Tokyo, Melbourne, Kuala Lumpur, Bali, Seoul, Shanghai and Beijing.

Brisbane Truck Show draws record breaking attendance

Brisbane Truck Show 2025 posted a record of attendance, with 54,790 patrons. Organised by Heavy Vehicle Industry Australia (HVIA), Brisbane Truck Show is a transport industry event in Australia, running at Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre (BCEC).

Alibaba Group and SAP announce strategic partnership

The leading e-commerce company in China, the Alibaba Group, announced a strategic partnership with SAP SE, to jointly accelerate enterprise innovation and digital transformation through advanced cloud and AI technologies. Under the partnership, SAP’s industry-leading enterprise software will be combined with Alibaba Cloud’s secure, scalable cloud infrastructure and AI capabilities.